112 th Congress At-A-Glance Actions Completed Adoption: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 595) expressing support for National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month (December 2012). Congress approved the Intercountry Adoption Universal Accreditation Act of 2012 (S. 3331) (January 2013). Breast Cancer: Congress approved a bill (P.L. 112-80) to extend through December 31, 2015, the authority of the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal stamp to raise funds for breast cancer research (December 2011). Child Abduction: In December 2012, the Senate approved a resolution to address international child abduction (S. Res. 543). Child Protection: Congress approved the Child Protection Act of 2012 (P.L. 112-206), which imposes stricter penalties for child pornography and reauthorizes the International Crimes Against Children Task Force (November 2012). Children: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 408) supporting the goals and ideals of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (March 2012). Dating Violence: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 32) designating February 2011 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month (January 2011). The Senate approved a similar resolution (S. Res. 362) in January 2012. DNA Backlog: Congress approved the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act (H.R. 6014), which assists state and local law enforcement agencies in collecting DNA samples following crimes, such as sexual assault (December 2012). Employment: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 106) recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in New York City on March 25, 1911 (March 2011). The fire, in which nearly 150 mostly female garment workers perished, led to improved factory safety standards and the creation of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Family Support: Congress approved the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act (P.L. 112-34) (September 2011). Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Congress approved the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (P.L. 112-144) (June 2012). The bill incorporates a provision from the HEART for Women Act regarding clinical trial data at FDA. The legislation requires the FDA to report on the extent to which clinical trial participation, safety, and effectiveness data reported by demographic subgroups, including sex, age, race, and ethnicity, is included in drug and medical device applications made to the FDA. Genetic Testing: Congress approved the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (P.L. 112-29), which contains provisions relating to genetic testing (June 2011).
Geraldine Ferraro: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 114) honoring former Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro, the first female candidate for vice president, and extending the condolences of the Senate on her death (March 2011). Human Trafficking: The Senate adopted a resolution (S. Res. 439) expressing the sense of the Senate that Village Voice Media Holdings, LLC should eliminate the adult entertainment section of the classified advertising website, Backpage.com (December 2012). Infant Mortality: The Senate passed a resolution supporting Infant Mortality Awareness Month (S. Res. 586) (September 2012). International: The Senate passed a resolution supporting International Women s Day (S. Res. 90) (March 2011). Malaria: The Senate approved a resolution supporting World Malaria Day (S. Res. 429) (July 2012). Middle East: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 109) recognizing the role women in the Middle East and North Africa played in recent democratic upheavals in the region (April 2011). The Senate approved a resolution encouraging women s political participation in Saudi Arabia (S. Res. 216) (July 2011). Military: Congress passed the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 112-81) (December 2011). The measure contained provisions relating to sexual assault in the military, child custody, education, and health. Congress passed the Honoring America s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act (P.L. 112-154). The measure included provisions relating to sexual assault in the military (July 2012). Congress approved the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act (P.L. 112-213) (December 2012). The measure contains provisions to address sexual harassment and sexual violence in the Coast Guard and at the Coast Guard Academy. Congress passed the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310) (December 2012). The legislation contains provisions relating to sexual assault in the military, family support programs, reproductive health, and combat-related service for women, among other provisions. Ovarian Cancer: The Senate approved a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Month (S. Res. 242) (July 2011). The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 537) supporting the goals and ideals of National Ovarian Cancer Month (August 2012). Peace Corps: Congress approved the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act (P.L. 112-57). The law establishes procedures to address sexual violence against Peace Corps volunteers (November 2011).
Prenatal Care: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 536) recognizing September 9, 2012, as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day (August 2012). Red Cross: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 471) commending the efforts of women of the American Red Cross Clubmobiles for their service during World War II (June 2012). Rosa Parks: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 618) observing Rosa Parks 100th birthday and commemorating her civil rights legacy (December 2012). Stalking: The Senate passed a resolution (S. Res. 36) to designate January 2011 as National Stalking Awareness Month (February 2011). The Senate passed a similar resolution (S. Res. 360) in January 2012. TANF: Congress passed P.L. 112-35, a bill to extend temporarily the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program through December 31, 2011 (September 2011). In December 2011, Congress approved legislation (P.L. 112-78) that, among other provisions, extended the TANF program through February 2012. Congress passed the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (P.L. 112-96) in December 2011. The measure incorporated several provisions of the Welfare Integrity and Data Improvement Act (H.R. 3659) and extended TANF through FY2012. Congress approved a continuing appropriations resolution (P.L. 112-175) that, among other provisions, extends TANF through March 2013 (September 2012). Tax Policy: Congress approved the American Taxpayer Relief Act (H.R. 8) to avert provisions of the so-called fiscal cliff. The measure contains provisions to extend permanently the child tax credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and dependent care tax credits, among others (January 2013). Title IX: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Res. 500) celebrating the 40 th anniversary of Title IX (June 2012). Tucson Shootings: The House passed H. Res. 32, a resolution condemning the shooting in Tucson and honoring Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and others killed and injured in the attack (January 2011). Sports: The Senate passed a resolution (S. Res. 30) recognizing the 25th anniversary of National Women and Girls in Sports Day (February 2011). Outstanding Actions Abortion: The House approved H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act (October 2011). The House passed the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3) (May 2011). The House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 1232, a bill to eliminate certain tax benefits relating to abortion (March 2011).
The House approved a bill to repeal mandatory funding for graduate medical education (H.R. 1216). The measure contained a provision that would prohibit the funds from being used to provide abortions or to train medical residents in the provision of abortions (May 2011). The House Judiciary Committee approved the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 3541) (February 2012). The House Judiciary Committee approved the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 2299) (March 2012). The House Judiciary Committee approved the District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (H.R. 3803) (July 2012). Child Abduction: In March 2012, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights approved the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (H.R. 1940). Child Custody: The House approved H.R. 4201, the Servicemember Family Protection Act (May 2012). Child Marriage: The Senate approved the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2011 (S. 414) in May 2012. Child Support: The House approved the International Child Support Recovery Improvement Act (H.R. 4282) (June 2012). Child Pornography: The House Judiciary Committee approved the Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act (H.R. 1981) (July 2011). Child Protection: In August 2012, the House approved the Adam Walsh Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3796). The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Child Protection Improvement Act (S. 645) (September 2012). DNA Backlog: In June 2012, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 250). The Senate approved the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry (SAFER) Act (S. 3250) in December 2012. Education: The House Education and the Workforce Committee approved H.R. 1891, the Setting New Priorities in Education Spending Act, a bill to repeal education programs in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) (P.L. 107-110) (May 2011). In October 2011, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee approved a bill (S. 3578) to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind (P.L. 107-110). Employment: The House Education and the Workforce Committee approved the Workforce Investment Improvement Act (H.R. 4297) in June 2012.
Family Planning: The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved H.R. 2059, a bill to prohibit funding for the United Nations Population Fund (October 2011). Family Support: In May 2012, the House approved the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act (H.R. 5652). The bill would reduce mandatory and discretionary spending by cutting spending in several programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) and the Social Services Block Grant Program. The House passed the National Security and Job Protection Act (H.R. 6365), which would replace the cuts established in H.R. 5652 with alternate cuts from the Obama Administration (September 2012). In December 2012, the House approved the Spending Reduction Act (H.R. 6684), which would make changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), the child tax credit, and the Social Services Block Grant program. Food Assistance: The Senate approved the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (S. 3240) in June 2012. The bill, also known as the Farm Bill, would reauthorize several domestic and international food assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Title II Food for Peace program. The House Agriculture Committee approved the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (H.R. 6083), which also would reauthorize several domestic and international food assistance programs (July 2012). Health Care: In January 2011, the House passed the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act (H.R. 2). The measure would repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (P.L. 111-148) and the health care-related provisions of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (P.L. 111-152). The House approved H.R. 1217, a bill to repeal the Prevention and Public Health Fund (April 2011). The Fund was established in the ACA to expand and sustain a national investment in prevention and public health programs to improve health and help restrain the growth of private and public sector health care costs. The House passed H.R. 1213, a bill to repeal mandatory funding provided to states in the ACA to establish the health benefits exchanges (May 2011). In May 2011, the House approved H.R. 1214, a bill to repeal mandatory funding for schoolbased health center construction, as enacted by the ACA. The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 1215, a bill to convert funding for personal responsibility education programs, a provision enacted in the ACA, from direct appropriations to an authorization of appropriations (May 2011). The House passed H.R. 6079, the Repeal Obamacare Act, a bill to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148, P.L. 111-152) (July 2012).
Human Trafficking: The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (H.R. 2830) in October 2011. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 1301) in October 2011. In June 2012, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the End Trafficking in Government Contracting Act (S. 2234). Several of the bill s provisions were incorporated into the FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310) in December 2012. International: The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the FY2012 Foreign Relations Authorization Act (H.R. 2583). The bill would authorize programs at the State Department and USAID and contained provisions relating to microfinance, global health, child soldiers, and protecting Peace Corps volunteers from sexual violence (July 2011). The House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the Donald M. Payne International Food Assistance Improvement Act (H.R. 4141) (June 2012). The House approved the FY2013 Foreign Relations Authorization Act (H.R. 6018). The measure would authorize programs at the Department of State, United Nations, and the Peace Corps (July 2012). Laura Pollan: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved a resolution (S. Res. 342) honoring the life and legacy of Laura Pollan, who fought for human and civil rights in Cuba (February 2012). Lena Horne: In April 2012, the House approved the Lena Horne Recognition Act (H.R. 1815), which would authorize Congress to award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to the singer, actor, and civil rights advocate. Malaria: The Senate approved a resolution (S. Con. Res. 15) recognizing World Malaria Day (June 2011). Military: The Senate approved a resolution recognizing women serving in the United States Armed Forces (S. Con. Res. 8) (February 2011). Peace Corps: In September 2011, the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved the Peace Corps Volunteer Service Improvement Act (H.R. 2699). Several of the bill s provisions were included in P.L. 112-57, the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act, which Congress approved in November 2011. Premature Births: The Senate approved the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early (PREEMIE) Reauthorization Act (S. 1440) (November 2012). The House approved an amended version of the bill in December 2012. Sex Offenders: The Senate approved the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act (S. 1792) in December 2012. The bill would authorize the U.S. Marshals Service to assist local and state law enforcement in investigating and locating fugitive sex offenders.
In December 2011, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Finding Fugitive Sex Offenders Act (S. 671). The bill also would authorize the U.S. Marshals Service to assist in investigating and locating fugitive sex offenders. Small Business: The House Small Business Committee approved the Women s Procurement Improvement Act (H.R. 4203) (March 2012). TANF: The House approved H.R. 3567, the Welfare Integrity Now for Children and Families Act in February 2012. The measure would restrict TANF funds from being used in strip clubs, casinos, and liquor stores. The House approved H.J. Res. 118, a resolution expressing Congress disapproval of a July 2012 rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the TANF work requirements (September 2012). Tax Policy: The Senate approved a bill (S. 3667) to rename Section 219(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as the Kay Bailey Hutchison Spousal IRA (December 2012). Veterans: The House passed the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act (H.R. 2074) (October 2011). In December 2012, the Senate approved the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvement Act of 2012 (S. 3313). Violence Against Women: The Senate Indian Affairs Committee approved the Stand Against Violence and Empower (SAVE) Native Women Act (S. 1763) (December 2011). The Senate approved the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (S. 1925) in April 2012. The House approved the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (H.R. 4970) (May 2012). Women s History: The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved S. 680, the National Women s History Museum Act (April 2011). The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 2844, a bill to authorize the conveyance of a parcel of federal land near the national mall for the purpose of establishing the National Women s History Museum (September 2011).